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eLearning Event

Indigenous informed disaster recovery: Addressing collective trauma using a healing framework

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Overview

CPD on the go® eLearning activities provide an opportunity to learn about diverse topics in short, flexible sessions that you can peruse at your own pace, wherever you are.  

Indigenous knowledges are increasingly recognised for their value in disaster resilience, with particular attention to traditional ecological knowledges. Yet the expansive and holistic worldviews of Indigenous peoples offer an even broader set of knowledges and perspectives, such as the field of Indigenous healing, that are highly relevant to systemic challenges in disaster resilience and recovery.

This theoretical paper explores the potential for an Indigenous-informed healing framework to address collective trauma from disasters. 

The activity contains a current evidence-based article followed by 10 questions to consolidate your learning. Together, a pass mark of 80% and completion of a reflection represents active* continuing professional development (CPD).

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Professional competencies for psychology

The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) have updated the Professional competencies for psychology which come into effect on 1 December 2025. This activity addresses the following PsyBA Professional competency for psychology:

  • Competency 8: Demonstrates a health equity approach and human rights approach when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, families and communities

The professional competencies embed cultural safety. This means that all psychologists practising in Australia, irrespective of their own cultural background or work context, need to actively work towards providing positive health outcomes for Indigenous People. The Board considers that cultural safety is relevant to every psychologist’s scope of practice. A fact sheet has also been developed to help practitioners further understand the requirements of this competency.

Free for members of the Disaster Response Network

APS members who belong to the Disaster Response Network can access this resource free of charge. Click HERE to submit your interest in this activity and a team member will verify your details and be in contact with you to register.

Duration of access

Access to this activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality.

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this CPD on the go®  eLearning activity, participants should be able to: 

  • recognise the value of Indigenous-informed disaster recovery frameworks,

  • identify principles from Indigenous healing relevant to disaster recovery,

  • summarise the benefits of culturally responsive practices in recovery efforts, and

  • recommend strategies for respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Notes

*’Active CPD’ refers to activities that utilise written or oral processes to reinforce learning and test knowledge. While active CPD is not a requirement of the Psychology Board of Australia, it is recommended because learning is more likely to be retained and to lead to improvements in practice. Provision of a reflection on all types of CPD is, however, a requirement of the Board.

CPD Approved

2024-25

eLearning-CPD on the go®

Members of the Disaster Response Network: FREE.
Refer to activity description for details on how to register

APS/NZPsS member: $45.00
APS student member: $35.00
Non-member: $60.00